Father’s Day brekkie is a traditional treat for Dads, but also a great opportunity to get kids in the kitchen and teach them healthy breakfast habits. If your kids are four in five primary school-aged who have yet to start making breakfast for themselves, this might be the opportunity that you are looking at the get them started.
1.
Ask kids to do some super-sleuthing to find out what Dad’s favourite brekkie as a kid was and help them recreate for a Father’s Day flashback. It doesn’t need to be too tricky; everyone had their favourite breakfast cereal as a kid! Some other nostalgic nosh ideas may be:
- Googy eggs and soldiers
- A jam fan or peanut butter-lover – ask kids to investigate Dad’s fave
- A warm bowl of oats with cinnamon and honey
2. Entrust kids with some important tasks and let them get their hands dirty!
- With little attention spans, get them to help with quick and easy tasks like pouring breakfast cereal into the bowl
- Cracking eggs is a great job for little hands; get kids to help with this for scrambled eggs or pancake
- Ask kids to pick their favourite spread to top Dad’s toast and get them to butter it themselves
3. Make it really personal by allowing kids to style Dad’s brekkie and give it the finishing touches. This may include:
- Asking the kids to choose their favourite cereal bowl or coffee cup to present Dad’s brekkie in
- Get kids to finish off the dish by sprinkling their favourite fresh fruit or nuts on top of breakfast cereal or arranging everything on the plate
- Have few options for kids to pick from when it comes to brekkie sides like fresh orange juice or Greek yoghurt
4. Make the most of early-rising kids by creating a ‘surprise plan’ for Dad the night before. Get kids to start on brekkie by getting out all the ingredients in preparation. With cereal boxes and spreads at the ready, ask them to set up a tray with cutlery, a napkin and a homemade card.
5. Make kids feel special and excited about making breakfast by turning it into a fun activity. Head to the supermarket together and let them pick the type of breakfast cereal, fruit or bakery items. A quick stop at variety store will find kids an apron and even a mini chef’s hat for the occasion.
ABOUT THE EXPERT
The tips are provided by Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian and brekkie expert as director of the Australian Breakfast Cereals Manufacturer’s Forum, Leigh Reeve.